Getting your first credit card is a major step in building your financial future. It’s not just about borrowing money—it’s about building a credit history, proving financial responsibility, and gaining access to better financial products over time. With 68% of UK adults now owning a credit card, and nearly 59 million cards in circulation as of January 2025, the credit card market is bigger than ever. For first-timers, choosing the right one is essential.
| First Credit Card | Representative APR | Annual Fee | Credit Limit | Standout Feature | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard Forward | 33.9% | £0 | £50 – £1,200 | APR drops for on-time payments | Companion voucher (high spend) |
| Tesco Foundation | 29.9% | £0 | £250 – £1,500 | Earn Clubcard points on everyday spending | 2-4-1 voucher (more flexible) |
| Aqua Classic | 34.9% | £0 | £250 – £1,200 | Helps people with limited or poor credit history | BA upgrade voucher (if spend £20,000) |
| Capital One Classic | 34.9% | £0 | £200 – £1,500 | User-friendly app and simple eligibility | BA upgrade voucher (if spend £10,000) |
Barclaycard Forward credit card
The Barclaycard Forward credit card is widely regarded as the best first credit card for UK residents in 2025. It’s designed specifically for people with no credit history, such as young adults or new-to-credit applicants. The key feature is that it rewards responsible behaviour by lowering your APR over time, which can help reduce costs if you ever carry a balance. There’s no annual fee, and you can start with a manageable credit limit of around £200–£1,200, based on your individual circumstances.
Tesco’s Foundation card
Tesco’s Foundation card is another strong contender, especially if you already shop at Tesco. It allows you to earn Clubcard points on your purchases, adding extra value to your spending while helping you build a credit profile. The interest rate is slightly lower than many other beginner cards, and the starting limits are accessible.
Aqua Classic
Aqua Classic remains one of the most accessible cards on the market. Its approval rate is high for those with little or no credit history, and it offers useful tools such as spend tracking and alerts through its app. It’s a good option if you’ve been declined elsewhere, though the APR is high if you don’t pay in full.
Capital One Classic
Capital One Classic is popular for its straightforward application process and solid mobile banking support. It’s well-suited for younger applicants, particularly those aged 18–24, who are increasingly likely to get a card to establish their credit history—74% in that age group now have one, according to recent data.
What is a first credit card?
Across the UK, credit card usage continues to rise. The average person now has 1.7 cards, and UK residents spent £20.8 billion on them in January 2025 alone. The average transaction value is £60, and the average monthly spend is £353. These figures highlight the growing importance of understanding how to use credit cards wisely from the start.
Choosing a good first credit card is less about rewards and more about control. If you pay it off in full each month, use it for regular spending, and stay under your limit, your credit profile will grow stronger over time—giving you access to better rates and higher credit in the future.
irst credit cards are designed specifically for people who are new to borrowing, often with no or limited credit history. Unlike mainstream or premium cards, they offer smaller credit limits, usually ranging between £200 and £1,200. This helps reduce the risk for both the lender and the user, making it easier to stay in control of spending and avoid unmanageable debt.
These cards usually come with higher interest rates, often over 30% APR. This is because the lender doesn’t yet know how reliable the borrower is. Until a credit history is built, new users are viewed as higher risk compared to established borrowers who may be offered lower rates.
First-time credit cards are also easier to get approved for. Applicants don’t typically need a long credit file, a high income, or an excellent credit score. Instead, these cards are built to provide access to credit for young people, students, or those starting to manage their own finances.
Another key difference is the fee structure. Most first credit cards have no annual fee, making them more accessible and lower cost. However, this simplicity also means that rewards and perks are minimal or non-existent. Unlike cashback or travel cards, beginner credit cards are more about building financial foundations than collecting points.
Many of these cards include helpful tools like mobile apps, balance alerts, and payment reminders. These are designed to help users build good habits and establish a strong repayment record. After several months of responsible use, it’s often possible to request a higher credit limit or apply for a more advanced card with better rates and features.
Ultimately, first credit cards are not about luxury or benefits—they are about access, control, and financial growth. They’re the first step on the credit ladder and, if used properly, can open the door to better borrowing options in the future.
Pros of getting your first credit card
- Helps build your credit history from scratch
- Can improve your credit score with regular, on-time payments
- Useful for emergencies and unexpected expenses
- Teaches financial responsibility and budgeting
- Offers fraud protection and chargeback rights on purchases
- Some cards offer cashback or loyalty rewards
- May lead to higher credit limits or better cards over time
Cons of getting your first credit card
- High interest rates if you don’t pay off the balance in full
- Easy to overspend and fall into debt
- Missed payments can damage your credit score
- Limited rewards or perks compared to advanced cards
- Some cards may start with very low credit limits
- Using too much of your limit can hurt your score
- Can be tempting to apply for too many cards too quickly
